Whatsapp users all over the world are getting hit with a survey scam involving their favorite and trusted brands.

Scam: WhatsApp Survey Ransomware

Who Is It Targeting: Users of the WhatsApp Messaging App

What Is It: Individuals are offered what appear to be vouchers for free items at popular restaurant and retail stores including McDonalds, KFC, Ikea and more. The vouchers are being offered in exchange for taking a survey about the the retailers. Once the survey is complete, the victim is shown a warning screen that their computer or mobile device is infected with a virus. The message tells the user that they must call a phone number or their hard drive will be deleted. This is where the scam turns into a ransomware type scam and the fraudsters demand payment in order to remove malware from your system. Even if the victim pays the ransom, there system is still being used to further spread the virus to their WhatsApp contacts.

What Are They After: System Control and Direct Payment

How Can You Avoid It: If you receive a message from someone you don’t know on WhatsApp, delete it. If you have accepted the contact already just go in and block them and delete any messages they have sent. If you have taken the survey and become a victim of the scam, you should take your phone in to a service provider to be treated for malware.